MELTDOWN: Rail strike set to cause maximum chaos in Sydney

A SYDNEY train strike that is predicted to send the city into total meltdown will go ahead after the union voted against a deal that would have given their workers a 2.75 per cent pay rise and $1000 bonuses.

The Rail, Trains and Bus Union, which has more than 6000 members, revealed it had voted no to suspend industrial action.

It comes as concerns have been raised about the reliability of a text message system which was activated last night.

Members were asked whether they thought the deal was good enough to suspend planned industrial action which is scheduled to start tomorrow with a ban on overtime. A non-response was counted as a "no vote".

But yesterday a number of members reported on social media that they never received a text.

NSW RTBU Secretary Alex Claassens said his members had "voted overwhelming" against suspending the strike - but admitted the text system hadn't worked as planned.

"You tell me how to do it better," he told reporters.

"I was forced into this position."

Mr Claassens said the result showed it was not about pay but conditions with members wanting to be assured they would get regular days off.

Sydney is set for rail chaos from tomorrow. Picture: Christian Gilles

The 24-hour strike on Monday will come after four days of reduced services as drivers refuse to work overtime starting from tomorrow.

Fewer than 6 per cent of NSW Rail, Tram and Bus Union members voted to suspend planned industrial action over a conditions and wages dispute.

"Unfortunately my members have overwhelmingly decided that the offer on the table is nowhere near good enough and our industrial action will continue," Mr Claassens said.

Workers had to reply 'yes' to the text message to support calling off a proposed 24-hour strike on Monday.

However many workers posted on the RTBU Facebook page this morning saying they were still to receive the text, hours before the midday deadline.

"I would like to know why this has been sent out as an SMS. There are many of us on leave at the moment that do not have our work phones with us. Also how are we going to be able to vote if we are on leave," one said.

"I didn't get one either. What number do we call to make sure our phone numbers are right," another asked.

With more than 9000 workers due to stop work on Monday, the RBTU confirmed that about 6500 members had received the text.